Klaus-Jürgen Bathe Leadership Programme 2022 for Undergraduate Students at University of Cape Town

The Klaus-Jürgen Bathe Leadership Programme is open to all undergraduate students enrolled in any of the six Faculties of the University of Cape Town.

Application Deadline: 31st August, 2021

Offered annually? Yes

Eligible Countries: South Africa. Citizens of other countries are however encouraged to apply.

To be taken at (country): South Africa  and 6-week internship in the USA or Germany

Eligible Field of Study: Any field of study

About the Award: The Klaus-Jürgen Bathe Leadership Scholarships are awarded on an annual basis to selected UCT undergraduate students with demonstrated leadership potential, for the purposes of financially supporting the scholars as they continue with their chosen degree programmes at UCT, at the same time developing their leadership potential through additional Programme activites, to better prepare them for eventually taking up significant leadership roles in South Africa or other African countries.

Type: Undergraduate

Eligibility: 

• Students can apply in their first year of study, or after completing first year. However, there must be at least two years of the degree programme remaining at the time of award. The scholarship cannot be held for a period less than two years.
• Postgraduate students are not eligible.
• While it is expected that the majority of scholars will be citizens of South Africa, candidates from other sub-Saharan African countries are also welcome to apply.
• A condition for non-South African candidates is that they must demonstrate a commitment to remain in South Africa and serve the country for at least 5 years after their studies.
• They must also commit to serving their own countries.

Selection Criteria

• Selection will be made from students who demonstrate potential to be the leaders of tomorrow in various sectors of the economies of their respective countries in Africa, and who show promise to make a significant impact in business, government, industry and civil society of South Africa or other African countries.
• Candidates should be academically outstanding. If applying for the scholarship in the first year of enrolment at UCT, they must have passed all first-semester courses with an average mark of at least 60%; if applying in second or subsequent years, they must have a cumulative grade aggregate of at least 60%.
• Students will be selected for this Programme on the basis of academic merit, demonstrated leadership potential, willingness to serve the public and the community, and commitment to the goals of the Programme.
• Financial need will also be taken into account (all applicants are required to provide information about family income on the application form), but it will not be an overriding factor.
• Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an interview, and will be required to speak on a topic of global relevance as part of the selection process. They will be required to demonstrate why they are deserving of the scholarship, and to explain how they see themselves playing a leadership role in their country or on the African continent in the future.

Number of Awardees: Not specified

Value of Scholarship: The scholarship will offer the following

• Full financial support to the value of R120,000-00 per year, to cover tuition fees, accommodation, meals and books allowance, stationery and transport.
• Six weeks internship in the USA, Germany or South Africa.

Duration of Scholarship: At least Two (2) years

How to Apply: Prospective scholars should complete the correct application form for the year in question. Applications for KJB Scholarships 2022/2023 are currently open 1 July – 31 August 2021. See CURRENT CALL FOR APPLICATIONS HERE.

Visit Scholarship Webpage for details

Award Provider: University of Cape Town, Klaus-Jürgen Bathe

Important Notes: Scholars will be required to take the normal courses of their degree programs, plus two additional courses intended to develop leadership qualities. These courses will be identified by the Programme Director, and may vary from year to year. Scholars will also be required to spend up to 6 weeks attached to an approved organization in South Africa, Germany or the USA, gaining exposure to sound leadership practices.

Scholars should remain in good academic standing after the first year, as a condition for the renewal of the award for a second year. Scholars must remain committed to the goals of the Programme throughout their studies, and strive towards eventually serving the larger society in South Africa or on the African continent in a significant leadership capacity. They will be expected to be role models and ambassadors of the Programme.